1 in 3 men has an HPV infection according to international research, while recent data show a significant increase in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in our country.
The news about the increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) throughout Europe, including in our country, is worrying. As highlighted in a recent report by EODY, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people are infected with an STD every day, most of whom are asymptomatic. It is also estimated that more than 500 million people have developed genital herpes, while HPV infection is linked to more than 311,000 cervical cancer deaths annually.
1 in 3 men with an infection HPV
An alarming increase recently identified underlines the picture of increasing STDs: a meta-analysis of studies from 35 countries published in the scientific journal The Lancet reports a significant increase in HPV infection in men, mainly in the 25-29 year age group. The main conclusion of the publication is shocking: almost 1 in 3 men over the age of 15 are infected with at least one type of HPV, and 1 in 5 with one or more high-risk HPV types for carcinogenesis. This makes it even more important to be well informed, prevent and treat warts early – which of course applies to both sexes.
HPV: Transmission and treatment
Warts are caused by the HPV virus and are the most common sexually transmitted disease affecting both men and women. They are usually transmitted through sexual contact, but if left untreated they can spread to the patient themselves from one area of the body to another, for example by rubbing the area with a sponge or using a razor which injures the lesion and leads to transfer of the virus .
“Most commonly, the types of HPV that someone can get are types 6 and 11 which are considered innocent, but many times we don’t get just one virus but a group of viruses. Therefore, it is necessary to perform an HPV DNA test on material from the lesions in order to determine whether we are dealing with an innocent type of virus or a potentially oncogenic one, so the follow-up plan changes. If the lesions we observe are caused by a non-oncogenic type of HPV that causes warts, then the treatment involves sublimation of the lesions with Laser CO2 which is a safe, painless and effective method that eliminates the lesions often in a single session without scarring and required recovery time. However, let’s say that with the Laser we can also treat lesions from oncogenic strains as well as lesions in the anus area. Laser CO2 also has the advantage of targeting even very small lesions, under 1 millimeter, leaving the surrounding tissues intact,” explains Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura, Dermatologist – Venereologist and Scientific Director of Cosmetic Derma Medicine. “A decisive factor for the complete treatment of warts is the identification and sublimation of even the most inconspicuous lesions as well as the examination and treatment not only of the patient but also of the sexual partner in order to prevent re-infection.”
113% increase in cases of syphilis and 120% of gonorrhea in Greece
The data on the increase in HPV infection come to complement data from EODY which underline that our country is in the same difficult situation as the rest of Europe regarding the spread of STDs. According to these data, in the period 2020-2022 an increase has been recorded in Greece 113,36% in cases early syphilis and 120,73% in cases gonorrhea.
In fact, since syphilis and gonorrhea are reliable indicators of the trend and other STDs – as evidenced by the increase in HPV infections – experts have every reason to worry. “Besides the really alarming increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases, there is another factor affecting the situation. This is the microbial resistance that microorganisms develop to antibiotics and other drugs, making it more difficult to definitively treat certain infections. That’s why proper information and a timely visit to the Dermatologist – Venereologist are vital, so that the disease can be effectively treated”, points out Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura.
The importance of prevention in STD control
Very important in terms of prevention for HPV is the vaccine, in particular the 9-strength vaccine, which is given free of charge to teenagers, girls and boys. This vaccine protects against both the types of the virus responsible for warts and the oncogenic types, which can cause cancer of the cervix in women, of the genital organs or of the oropharynx in men,” points out Dr. Chiatura. It is equally important to be informed about the ways of transmission and prevention of HPV and other STDs: use of a condom during sexual intercourse and a timely visit to the Dermatologist – Venereologist if any possible symptom is identified, such as unusual secretions, lumps, raised skin on the genitals or in the surrounding area.
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